Rhododendron 'Manitou' (Manitou Rhododendron)


Michael's Opinion

In 2006, the 'Manitou' was recognized as rhododendron of the year by the American Rhododendron Society.

Botanical Information

FamilyEricaceae
GenusRhododendron
Cultivar'Manitou'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone4a - 8b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone2 - 7
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-26
Temperature (°F)-15
Height0.7 - 1.2 m
Spread1 - 2 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

ID CharacteristicManitou is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with smooth, glossy dark green foliage that changes to a near burgundy colour in the winter. Its flowers are borne in trusses of light purplish-pink enveloping the entire plant.
ShapeSprawling to mounding.
LandscapeIt can be used in rock gardens, mass plantings or in general garden plantings.
CultivationIt prefers moist soil with a pH of 4.5 - 5.5, and should be placed in a protected location free from aggressive winds.
PestsThis shrub is susceptible to many pests, such as deer, rabbits, mice, caspid bugs, nematodes, white flies, mealy bugs and rhododendron aphids. It is also commonly known to get phytopthora root.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe bark is a reddish-brown colour, becoming slightly scaly as it ages.
Leaf DescriptionIt has dark green oval leaves which are smooth, shiny and small in size.
Flower DescriptionIts flowers are borne in trusses and are light purplish-pink in colour.
Fruit DescriptionIts fruit capsules, which is about 4 cm long, transition from green to brown during ripening and contain numerous fine seeds.
Colour DescriptionIts leaves are dark green, its bark is reddish-brown and its flowers are purplish-pink.

Photographs